Physiological Significance and Functions of AA.

AA has several physiological functions. Its various metabolites also have many significant actions and thus participate in innumerable physiological and pathological processes. There is strong evidence to suggest that AA and its metabolites play a significant role in the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), and coronary heart disease. In addition, high-fat diet (HFD), high-cholesterol diet (HCD), calorie-dense foods (CDF), high-salt and low-potassium diet, low magnesium, lack of exercise, sedentary lifestyle, and aging alter the generation of AA from its dietary precursor linoleic acid (LA) by altering the activities of desaturases. This may enhance the occurrence of a pro-inflammatory milieu in the cells/tissues/organs that can be ameliorated to a certain extent by AA.